H.J. Ruiz – Avian101

In my last trip to Florida I saw a lot of this particular species of bird, the Boat-tailed  Grackles are all over, in large flocks or small groups. They can eat anything that looks edible. They are smart birds and adapt to urban areas very well. Here I have some more information about this birds:

The Boat-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus major) is a passerine bird of the family Icteridae found as a permanent resident on the coasts of the southeastern United States. It is found in coastal saltwater marshes, and, in Florida, also on inland waters. The nest is a well-concealed cup in trees or shrubs near water; three to five eggs are laid.

Adult males have entirely iridescent black plumage, a long dark bill, a pale yellowish or brown iris and a long keel-shaped tail. The adult female is much smaller She is also distinguished by her shorter tail and tawny-brown coloration, which covers the body apart from the darker wings and tail.

These birds forage on the ground, in shallow water, or in shrubs; they will steal food from other birds. They are omnivorous, eating insects, minnows, frogs, eggs, berries, seeds, and grain, even small birds.

Text excerpt © Wikipedia – Photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101